Illinois wakes up under gray skies and flurries, with light snow drifting across Chicago and a stiff northwest wind cutting between buildings downtown. Pavement looks mainly wet now, but bursts of lake effect snow could quickly coat bridges and overpasses.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a period of accumulating lake effect snow is expected to focus primarily across Porter County in northwest Indiana through Monday morning. Limited snow risk continues in parts of northeast Illinois today. Northwest winds around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts near 30 mph, will create blowing snow and reduced visibility at times.
Temperatures hover in the mid-20s this morning, with wind chills in the teens. Highs reach only near 27 degrees this afternoon. Plan extra time if traveling along I-90, I-94 or the Skyway, especially toward northwest Indiana where heavier bands may develop.
Snow chances linger into early Monday before skies begin to brighten. Monday turns partly sunny but stays blustery, with highs near 27. Any daytime melting could refreeze quickly after sunset, leading to patchy black ice into Tuesday morning.
A sharp rebound arrives Tuesday with highs jumping into the low 40s. Wednesday brings mostly sunny skies and highs near 41. By Friday, temperatures push toward 50 degrees, hinting at early spring warmth across northern Illinois. The 6–10 day outlook favors above-normal temperatures heading into early March.
Five Day Outlook for Chicago, Illinois:
Today: Chance of snow, high 27.
Monday: Partly sunny and blustery, high 27.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 42.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high 41.
Thursday: Partly sunny, high 36.
